As a society, we use traffic lights to ensure road safety, and it is very important to obey these signals. They are very simple and intuitive, but some drivers consider them more of a suggestion. They might be in a hurry, thinking that they are more important than others and that they should be let through the intersection regardless of the lights. Or they might be driving at night and consider it safe to run a red light, as there is nobody around. There are many reasons why people do not stop at a red light, but only a small fraction of them are justifiable.
If you were in a car accident in North Port, Florida, that was caused by another driver’s recklessness and refusal to obey traffic lights, you could have the right to compensation for the damage and injuries incurred. Contact The Law Place today for a free consultation. Our North Port car accident lawyers will assess your case and inform you of your rights and options. Our phone lines are available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (941) 444-4444.
Possible Reasons for Ignoring a Red Light in North Port, FL.
There is a reason why cities put traffic lights at their intersections. Traffic lights increase road safety by indicating when it is safe to go. It is the most basic traffic signal.
In Florida, drivers might make the following excuses for ignoring a red light:
- They were in a hurry.
- They thought they would still make it.
- The driving conditions were poor.
- The visibility was poor.
- They did not expect the traffic lights to change so quickly.
- They did not want to block the driver behind them.
- They were distracted.
These excuses might seem justifiable, but they are nowhere near that. All drivers must always adapt their driving to current conditions. Otherwise, they pose a danger to themselves and their surroundings.
Possible Consequences of Ignoring a Red Light
Accidents caused by ignoring a red light tend to be quite serious. If there is a green light, you assume that you can drive safely through the intersection. Therefore, you might not be ready for a vehicle coming from a direction that is supposed to be waiting. This can end up in a dangerous head-on or side collision, which can get you injured or even killed. Furthermore, by crashing into your car, the reckless driver might push you to a different lane, making your car hit other cars, causing injuries to their passengers as well.
The most common serious injuries resulting from a collision caused by running a red light include:
- Whiplash injury.
- Traumatic brain injury.
- Spinal cord injury.
- Internal bleeding or internal injury.
- Broken bones.
- Physical disfigurement.
However, a car accident and the injuries associated with it can also have a devastating impact on your mental health. It is therefore important to know your rights and fight for justice if you find yourself in a car crash that was not your fault. Contact The Law Place today for a free consultation.
Florida Motor Vehicle No-Fault Law
Florida Statute 627.7407 defines the no-fault law. This law means that drivers involved in a car accident should first seek compensation from their own insurance companies, no matter who caused the accident. Any personal vehicle in Florida must be insured for personal injury protection (PIP) and property damage liability (PDL). The lower limit for both PIP and PDL is $10,000. However, it is probable that the costs of a car accident caused by running a red light in North Port, Florida, will exceed this amount. In this case, if you have your policy set for the minimum, you might end up paying money for something you did not cause. If this is the case, call us immediately. Our attorneys specialize in car accidents and personal injury and will help you get the damages you deserve.
Informing Your Insurance Company Following an Accident
If you find yourself in a car crash in North Port, Florida, you are required by law to inform your insurance company about it. However, you need to be careful about what you report. Insurance companies, like any other business, concentrate on profit. Therefore, they might use tactics designed to lower the amount of damages you are entitled to. This can include, for example, devaluing your claim, declaring that you had the injuries already before the accident, or trying to prove that you are partially responsible for the collision.
Because of this, we strongly recommend informing them just about the fact that you had an accident and ensuring them that you will provide all the details later. Afterward, contact an accident lawyer, like the ones we have at The Law Place. A professional attorney will advise you on how to communicate with the company and guide you through the whole legal process. This way, you have a much better chance of receiving the damages you deserve.
Claiming Damages Following a Car Accident in North Port, FL.
We understand that even full compensation for your injuries cannot repair trauma after a car crash. However, it can significantly improve your life if you do not have to worry about high medical bills and can focus on your recovery. It is also important to seek justice in order to teach the driver a lesson and potentially prevent future car accidents caused by their reckless driving. The Law Place can help you get the compensation you deserve for the following damages:
- Medical bills.
- Lost wages.
- Loss of earning potential.
- Property damage.
- Pain and suffering.
- Wrongful death.
Principle of Comparative Fault in Florida
Florida Statute 768.81 defines the principle of comparative fault. This means that, in case of a car crash, more than one driver can be found guilty. The individual driver’s extent of fault is expressed through a percentage. If you are less than 50% at fault, you can still claim compensation, but it will be reduced accordingly.
For example, if someone failed to stop at a red light and crashed into you at an intersection, but you were on your phone while driving, the other party will try to pass some of their blame on to you. If it is then determined that your actions contributed to 10% of the accident, you get your settlement reduced by 10%.
The insurance company of the other party will do its best to make your share of the blame as high as possible. This is why we do not recommend dealing with this matter on your own. One of our experienced North Port personal injury lawyers will help you minimize your percentage of fault and reach the settlement you deserve.
Schedule a Free Consultation at The Law Place
If you have been involved in a collision caused by a reckless driver that ignored a red light, seek justice, and contact us as soon as possible. We have a team of experienced attorneys that specialize in claims following a car crash. They will be able to help you win the settlement you deserve. Call us today at (941) 444-4444 for a free consultation. Phone lines are open 24/7.
